Editor’s note: It’s Politics reports Saturdays on the ins and outs of Whittier-area politics and city-government.

People in Whittier are starting to notice something different about the council. It’s the seating arrangement.

Whittier Mayor Cathy Warner doesn’t sit in the middle as most mayors do, but rather on the left, next to City Manager Steve Helvey.

One of the first to notice was Arthur Rock, who speaks at nearly every meeting.

“It’s a funny situation,” Rock said.

But Warner said she did the same when she was president of the Whittier Union High School District Board of Education.

“I like to sit next to the city manager,” Warner said. “If you notice when issues will come up during the meeting, especially during oral communications, I’ll turn to the city manager and have a brief conference.”

Other council members also have noticed the change, but say it’s not that big of a deal.

“To the best of my knowledge the mayor has always sat in the middle,” Councilman Bob Henderson said. “But it’s the mayor’s prerogative. I don’t care.”

Councilman Owen Newcomer also said it doesn’t matter where the mayor sits.

“That certainly is a prerogative of the mayor,” Newcomer said.

DEMOCRATIC RALLY: Rep. Grace Napolitano, D-Norwalk, will speak at an event to be held at 10a.m. today at El Rodeo Restaurant, 8825 Washington Blvd., Pico Rivera.

Volunteers will meet to commit to reaching 100 voters.

Sponsors are 56th and 58th Assembly Democratic committees, Mark Twain Democratic Club and Southeast Los Angeles County Young Democrats.

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